Who We Are
Get to Know CAST
About The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation (CAST)
Since 1965, CAST has been serving vulnerable and low-income individuals and families on the North Fork of Long Island. CAST provides a critical safety net helping address food, housing, employment, and healthcare insecurity with dignity and compassion. We serve a diverse population that includes children, older residents, people living with disabilities, single parents, veterans, the working poor, and people seeking employment. CAST is committed to helping people achieve economic security through education and workforce training. We offer many programs and services, including various food relief and nutrition programs, benefit application and emergency assistance, a sharing room with clothes and household items, advocacy and referrals, a wide array of education programs for children and adults, including an early literacy program, summer program, afterschool program, ENL, computer and citizenship classes, a culinary skills program as well as an arts & culture program, and much more.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safety net and promote self-sufficiency for North Fork and Shelter Island residents in need.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a thriving community where every member is free from worry about basic necessities and able to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Our Team
Erica Steindl
Executive Director
Erica is a North Fork native who joined the CAST team in 2020, wanting to give back to her community during the pandemic. She is an experienced bilingual (English/Spanish) teacher and business owner with over 15 years of experience working with students and the community. As a New York State-certified elementary teacher, she worked with the local school districts, teaching and substitute teaching in elementary and high school. She was honored as the Suffolk Times Person of the Year in 2022 for her dedication to providing equitable learning opportunities for underserved community members.
After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Education, Erica volunteered as a Pre-K teacher in a bilingual classroom at La Escuela Mariposa in Costa Rica. She is also an animal lover and has chickens, horses, goats, and a cat.
Sarina Harley
Food Relief Program Manager
Sarina, originally from Queens, is a baker, an avid reader, and a mother of two. She moved to the North Fork after college to start a family and now works at CAST, committed to alleviating food insecurity. Her parents, a wine salesman and a dietician, instilled in her the importance of nutritious food. With experience managing a bakery on the South Fork, Sarina brings her passion to CAST, where she enjoys working with the staff and volunteers. She plans to involve her family in volunteering when they’re older.
Nancy Tramontana
Education Coordinator
Nancy was born and raised in Southold and then raised her 4 children here. An Elementary Classroom and Reading Teacher, Nancy has worked at both Southold and Greenport Schools. Nancy is very excited to have joined the CAST community running the Steps to Success Afterschool Program and as an Early Learning Specialist for the PC+ program. Being able to work with so many wonderful children and families each day makes working at CAST a dream job.
Gaby Patino
Client Support Coordinator
Born and raised in the Bronx by two strong immigrant parents, Gaby has dedicated her career to supporting and advocating for others. She earned her B.A. in Spanish Literature with a minor in Business Administration from Stony Brook University. She began her work in early childhood education, first as a Teacher Assistant and later as a Family Advocate. Gaby has also spent several years as a Bilingual Legal Advocate assisting survivors of domestic violence in the family court system.
A Greenport resident for the past four years, Gaby is excited to bring her experience, compassion, and commitment to CAST to continue serving the North Fork community. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, spending time with her family, and watching the sunset.
Cora Fitzgerald
Office Manager
Cora is a Long Island native who after vacationing in Southold is happy to now call it her home. She has an MBA in Finance from St. John’s University. After many years as a Food Pantry volunteer as well as working in the Youth Sports industry, Cora was seeking an opportunity to give back to the community where she lives. She is very excited to be working at CAST and being a part of their team. Outside of CAST Cora enjoys genealogy, learning about the local history of where she lives or visits and checking out antique shops.
Maureen Rogers
Administrative Assistant
With over 50 years of experience in office management, administrative support, and basic accounting, Maureen possesses strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask. Her dependability and dedication make her a valuable asset to our working environment. Working for CAST allows Maureen to be part of a great team that helps build a better future for the community through various programs and genuine kindness. Supported by her wonderful family, Maureen finds reasons to smile and laugh every day brightening up the office.
Maggie Tzimorotas
Development & Administrative Assistant
Maggie is a Long Island native who recently graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She grew up spending her summers out east, and now resides on the North Fork. Maggie values giving back to her community, and joined CAST to do just that. In her free time she enjoys going to the beach, reading, and spending time with her family.
Olivia Basco
Program Intern
Originally from Hampton, Virginia, Olivia joins CAST as this year’s Program Intern. A dual-major in Biological Systems Engineering and French from Virginia Tech, Olivia brings a unique blend of analytical and creative skills to our team. Her background in data analytics and experience in marketing will be especially valuable in supporting our Marketing & Development department, though she is eager to contribute across all departments. Southold has always felt like a second home to Olivia–her grandfather’s hometown and a place she often visited growing up. Like her grandfather, Olivia is deeply driven to serve others, aligning closely with CAST’s mission. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys petsitting, spending time outdoors, attending concerts and connecting with family and friends.
Beverlly Chin-Sazo
Food Relief Program Associate
Beverlly, born in Guatemala, is bilingual (English/Spanish). She graduated from Southold High School last year and is studying Early Childhood Education and Art at Suffolk County Community College. Beverlly has a passion for helping the community and is excited to build upon her experience through her work assisting with CAST’s Education, Client Services, and Food Relief Programs. She loves working at CAST because she gets to meet kind new people. Beverlly also enjoys drawing and painting.
Dale Leavay
Client Support Associate
Dale grew up in New Jersey and spent her summers in Southold. Dale worked at Peconic Landing for over 16 years before coming to CAST in 2021. She is grateful to be working at CAST and supporting the community. The most rewarding part of her job is helping clients.
Dale loves the outdoors, cooking and baking. Dale also likes to upcycle trash. You may see her perusing a dumpster. It’s called a garbage can, not garbage cannot.
Maggie Merrill
Volunteer Coordinator
Maggie is a Long Island native who lives in Southold with her family. She is grateful her position at CAST as Director of Operations and Volunteer Coordinator enables her to work across all departments and programs, as well as with all of CAST’s dedicated and generous volunteers. Active in the community she loves, Maggie is a member of Southold Town’s Water Advisory Committee and Conservation Advisory Council. She was an eleven-year member of the Board of Trustees of the Southold Free Library, serving four of those as president, and is co-founder and board president of the Southold Peconic Civic Association. Maggie is proud to be part of an organization dedicated to improving our community so all its members can do more than just get by – they can thrive.
Kevin O’Shea
Mobile Van Driver
Kevin, originally from Northern New Jersey, now lives in Greenport with his wife of 25 years, Kelly, and their Boston Terriers Tinker and Abby. Kevin retired from corporate life in December 2019 where he worked in project management, sales management and operations for over 30 years in the technology and services sectors. In January 2020, Kevin began working for CAST as the driver of their new mobile food pantry, “CAST on Wheels.” You might have seen him making deliveries and collecting donations all over the North Fork.
During his spare time, Kevin enjoys fishing, bike riding, running, volunteering, and spending time with his family and friends. Kevin and his wife also love to travel and scuba dive. They are Advanced Open Water certified.
Ana Guerra De Perez
Food Relief Program Assistant Manager
Ana, born in Guatemala, has lived in Cutchogue for 13 years. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she enjoys helping others. Ana volunteered and worked as a teacher’s assistant at Head Start for 4 years and previously cooked at Greenport School. She now works full-time at CAST as an Early Learning Specialist and Food Relief Program Assistant. Ana is also president of CAST’s mothers’ group, Grupo de Madres, and is passionate about serving the community. In her spare time, she loves to cook, watch movies, and spend time with her family.
Clementina Quizhpi
Education & Outreach Associate
Clementina, originally from Ecuador, spent 13 years as a teacher before moving to Cutchogue with her family. She transitioned to the banking industry, where she worked for 20 years. Clementina started volunteering at CAST during the summer and eventually joined the staff. She particularly enjoys working in the education programs, where she can connect with students and parents.
Heidy Quizhpi
Client Support Associate
Heidy was raised on the North Fork of Long Island, where her deep-rooted connection to the community began. She earned her bachelor’s degree in New York City before following her passion for travel and cultural exchange abroad. While living overseas, Heidy completed two master’s degrees and dedicated time to volunteer work, enriching her global perspective and commitment to service. Now back on Long Island, Heidy began volunteering with CAST and later joined the team as a Client Support Services Associate. In this role, she provides compassionate, hands-on support to individuals and families in need, drawing on both her local roots and global experiences. She continues to give back to her community through volunteer work at the local animal shelter and maintains her love of travel, always seeking new experiences and ways to make a difference.
Bianca Secaida
Marketing & Development Associate
Bianca, born and raised in Southold, recently graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Public Health, focusing on Health Promotion. She is excited to be back on Long Island and give back to the North Fork community that has always been home. Her passion for helping others and promoting well-being fits right in with CAST’s mission, and she is grateful to be part of the team. Outside of work, Bianca enjoys staying active, reading, and spending time at the beach.
Cristina Stewart
Client Support Associate
Cristina was born and raised on the East End of Long Island, where her love for the beaches and coastal lifestyle shaped her connection to nature and community. She graduated from Stony Brook University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, driven by a deep passion for mental health and advocating for the well-being of all individuals.
In her free time, Cristina enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach, diving into a good book, and experimenting with new recipes. She values empathy, respect, and compassion in every relationship and firmly believes in the resilience of the human spirit — that everyone has the potential to overcome challenges and create positive change in their lives.
Anthony Spano
Food Relief Program Associate & Mobile Van Driver
Anthony dedicates two days each week to supporting CAST through various essential roles. He manages Food Rescue, collecting donated food and beverages from local supermarkets and farmstands, and oversees Mobile Delivery, bringing groceries directly to homes on the North Fork for those unable to visit CAST. Additionally, he assists with organizing and placing food items on shelves. Outside of his work with CAST, Anthony is a full-time landscape gardener. He finds his involvement with CAST deeply rewarding, as it allows him to give back to the community and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Liam Werber
Client Support Associate
A native Long Islander, William Werber brings a dynamic background in fine arts, illustration, and fashion design to his work at CAST. He studied at both the Fashion Institute of Technology and the School of Visual Arts, and his creative talents have been featured in Vogue and other prominent print publications. William has worked with renowned fashion photographer Patrick McMullan and currently freelances as a writer for the XX Recordings label in Los Angeles, contributing to projects for a range of artists. With experience spanning graphic and technical design, he brings both artistic vision and technical precision to every project.
Outside of his creative pursuits, William enjoys long walks on the beach and is passionate about giving back to the community he calls home.
Andre Worrell
Food Relief Program Associate & Mobile Van Driver
Andre is originally from Trinidad. He’s been at CAST since the end of summer 2023. He started as a volunteer and then transitioned into a part time role in the Food Relief program. Andre helps receive and organize inventory as well as delivering mobile pantry twice a month to families across the North Fork. Since being at CAST he’s taught a printing class for kids using his art background and previous experience teaching printing classes to adults. Outside of CAST, he is a part owner of Morgan and Kydd which creates bold handmade gifts/aromatics for the home. When time permits, he records and tours with his band.
Our Board
Marc Sokol
President
Marc is a life-long technology entrepreneur, executive and investor. He has built a career providing strategic advice to companies as they grow. He joined the CAST Board because he wanted to give back to the community and help the organization scale up to meet the needs of the underserved.
Peter Treiber
Vice President
Peter grew up building businesses through hard work and energy. When he was first introduced to CAST, he was humbled by the mission and became a Farm to Friend Program partner. As the owner of Treiber Farms in Peconic with his wife Irene and his family, he has the opportunity to give back to those in need with fresh produce and created the Common Ground Community Garden. Peter joined the CAST Board to fulfill a desire to serve the less fortunate and give back to the North Fork community.
Stephen Hannan
Treasurer
Steve has had a long career in finance as an investor and advisor. He is very active in the North Fork community helping farmers be successful. CAST is integral to helping farm workers and the broader community.
Bridget Elkin
Secretary
After eight years in the fashion industry split between San Francisco, Hong Kong, and New York City, my husband and I planted our roots in Greenport where we are currently raising our two daughters and working in real estate. The opportunity to serve on the CAST Board is a privilege and I’m hopeful my unique insight into the housing market, area demographics, and business community add value to the incredibly important and impactful work CAST is doing.
David Austin
Board Member
David is a distinguished senior technology executive known for creating globally acclaimed products. His two-decade tenure at Apple, collaborating with founding teams, and his experience as an investor and mentor to startups have greatly influenced his career. In 2021, David moved to Shelter Island to focus on his partner’s accounting business and community engagement. He serves as an interior volunteer firefighter, a Town Planning Board member, and an assistant manager for the Shelter Island Bucks. David is committed to enhancing CAST’s impact on Shelter Island and fostering greater Islander involvement in the organization.
Lori Cohen
Board Member
Lori was a criminal defense attorney and constitutional law professor in NYC, starting one of the first female-owned boutique litigation law firms. She has embraced life on the North Fork, serving on several town committees dealing with affordable housing. Lori has volunteered with CAST for a decade and believes that the work CAST does is essential to the vibrancy of Southold Town.
Seth Frank
Board Member
Seth brings extensive experience from the technology industry, where he has served as an investor, partner, and sales leader. Additionally, he has spent the past decade leading a major New York City nonprofit as both its president and board member. He looks forward to drawing on these experiences to support the meaningful work of CAST and is excited to contribute to strengthening our community and serving our local neighbors.
Mark Gagen
Board Member
Mark is a life-long resident of Southold and a long-time executive at a local insurance broker. He has served on the CAST Board for many years. Mark has seen first-hand the positive effect CAST has had over the years with our community’s underserved residents and wanted to contribute to CAST’s work.
Betsi Gertz
Board Member
Betsi has been a resident of Greenport since 1999 and a long-time supporter of CAST. After an accomplished career as an attorney and law professor in New York City, Betsi is honored to join the CAST Board to help the organization continue the remarkable work it does serving the Southold and Shelter Island communities.
Sarah McNaughton Hoffman
Board Member
Sarah McNaughton Hoffman is a communications consultant, specializing in executive counsel, media relations, and brand development for mission-driven corporations, major institutions, and nonprofit organizations in the arts and culture sector. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies and her master’s degree in art history and East Asian Studies, both from Columbia University. She has contributed to CAST’s annual fundraising events and has advanced CAST’s mission and initiatives across the East End through strategic communications and media relations.
Rona Smith
Board Member
Rona has had careers in real estate development, principally in London, England, and in teaching, at often overlapping times. She has taught at CUNY, Columbia, and NYU. Along the way, she has earned an MA and PhD from NYU and an MBA from Columbia. Rona is proud of the strategic tools her education has provided. Affordable housing development in Southold has been Rona’s primary focus for 20+ years. She believes that CAST’s transformative programs are instrumental in creating a more inclusive community in Southold while providing opportunities to learn and grow.